Bumble Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

Bumble is a renowned social networking platform that emphasizes respectful connections and empowers women by allowing them to make the first move. Known for its innovative approach to online interactions, Bumble has carved a niche in both the dating and social networking scenes.

In this guide, Interview Query will walk you through the interview process, typical Bumble software engineer interview questions you might encounter, and tips to help you succeed. Let’s get started!

The interview process usually depends on the role and seniority, however, you can expect the following on a Bumble software engineer interview:

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV happens to be among the shortlisted few, a recruiter from the Bumble Talent Acquisition Team will make contact and verify key details like your experiences and skill level. Behavioral questions may also be a part of the screening process.

In some cases, the Bumble software engineering hiring manager stays present during the screening round to answer your queries about the role and the company itself. They may also indulge in surface-level technical and behavioral discussions.

The whole recruiter call should take about 30 minutes.

Technical Virtual Interview

Successfully navigating the recruiter round will present you with an invitation for the technical screening round. Technical screening for the Bumble software engineer role is usually conducted through virtual means, including video conference and screen sharing. The interview will cover a range of questions about various parts of the tech stack, including network questions and PHP. Moreover, you might be asked to explain the 7 layers of software and give examples for each of them, with probing questions along the way.

However, be prepared for a highly interactive and somewhat invasive coding exercise. You will be required to perform a coding task while the interviewers watch your screen in real-time, frequently interrupting to ask questions. This stage can be quite challenging, and it’s important to maintain focus despite the continuous interruptions.

Onsite Interview Rounds

Followed by a second recruiter call outlining the next stage, you’ll be invited to attend the onsite interview loop. Multiple interview rounds, varying with the role, will be conducted during your day at the Bumble office. Your technical prowess in areas like programming, PHP, and Linux commands will be evaluated against the finalized candidates throughout these interviews.

In addition, you might be asked to solve coding exercises related to manipulating and processing strings while interviewers observe and comment on your progress. The interview process can be quite demanding, so it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly.

Typically, interviews at Bumble vary by role and team, but commonly Software Engineer interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

1. Write a program to determine the term frequency (TF) values for each term in a document.

Given a text document in the form of a string, write a program to determine the term frequency (TF) values for each term in the document. Round the term frequency to 2 decimal points.

2. Create a function get_ngrams to return a dictionary of n-grams and their frequency in a string.

Write a function get_ngrams to take in a word (string) and return a dictionary of n-grams and their frequency in the given string.

3. Write a function to return the sum of the elements in a matrix.

Given a matrix of integers, write a function that returns the sum of the elements in the matrix. The function should handle both positive and negative integers and return the sum as an integer.

4. Write a function to find the nearest common ancestor of two nodes in a binary tree.

Given a binary tree of unique positive numbers and two nodes as input, write a function to return the value of the nearest node that is a parent to both nodes. If one of the nodes doesn’t exist in the tree, return -1.

5. Write a function to add together all combinations of adjacent integers in a string of integers.

Write a Python function that adds together all combinations of adjacent integers of a given string of integers named int_str.

6. What analysis would you run for a non-normal distribution in an A/B test for Uber Fleet?

Uber Fleet deals with smaller data sets compared to Uber Rider. If you run an A/B test and find the distribution is not normal, what kind of analysis would you perform, and how would you measure which variant won?

7. What analysis would you run for non-normal distribution in an A/B test with low data?

Uber Fleet has low data for experimentation, and the distribution is not normal. What kind of analysis would you run, and how would you measure which variant won?

8. What metrics would you use to track accuracy and validity of a spam classifier model?

You are tasked with building a spam classifier for emails and have built a V1 of the model. What metrics would you use to track the model’s accuracy and validity?

9. When would you use a bagging algorithm versus a boosting algorithm?

You are comparing two machine learning algorithms. Explain the scenarios where you would use a bagging algorithm versus a boosting algorithm, and discuss the tradeoffs between the two.

10. What are the assumptions of linear regression?

List and explain the assumptions that must be met for linear regression to be valid.

11. How would you build a restaurant recommender on Facebook?

Describe how you would gather data and build a restaurant recommender system on Facebook. Discuss potential downfalls or concerns about adding this feature.

12. How would you design the YouTube video recommendation algorithm?

You are tasked with building the YouTube video recommendation algorithm. Explain how you would design the recommendation system and what important factors you would consider.

You should plan to brush up on any technical skills and try as many practice interview questions and mock interviews as possible. A few tips for acing your Bumble software engineer interview include:

• Know the Tech Stack: Bumble’s technical interviews cover various parts of the tech stack, including network questions, PHP, and Linux commands. Make sure to brush up on these areas.
• Stay Calm During Coding Exercises: The coding tasks can be quite intrusive with interviewers watching your screen and interrupting frequently. Practice coding under pressure to better handle the real scenario.
• Timely Follow-Up: Make sure to follow up if you haven’t heard back about your test results. Persistence can sometimes make a difference.

What is the average salary for a Software Engineer at Bumble?

What technical skills are required for a Software Engineer position at Bumble?

To excel in this role, you should have a solid understanding of PHP, networks, and software development processes. Familiarity with Linux commands and functions will also be beneficial. Be prepared to demonstrate your coding skills and problem-solving abilities.

What should I expect from the first interview with the recruiter at Bumble?

The first meeting generally involves a friendly conversation about your experience and qualifications. The recruiter might also explain the company’s culture and the specifics of the role you’re applying for. This is a good opportunity for you to ask questions and understand what Bumble values in a candidate.

How can I handle the technical test during the Bumble interview?

During the technical test, interviewers might watch you code in real-time and ask questions intermittently. Maintain your composure, explain your thought process clearly, and address their questions to the best of your ability. Practicing on Interview Query can help you get used to this format.

If you’re seeking an opportunity to join Bumble as a Software Engineer, it’s essential to be prepared for a rigorous and dynamic interview process. Bumble’s interviews span a variety of technical topics, from deep dives into the 7 layers of software to specific PHP and Linux trivia. The technical test can be particularly challenging with real-time scrutiny, so practice and mental preparation are key.

For more insights into Bumble’s interview process, check out our comprehensive Bumble Interview Guide. Here, we’ve compiled a plethora of interview questions that could be asked, offering a strategic edge. We also have specific guides for roles such as software engineer and data analyst, providing detailed information about Bumble’s varied interview expectations.

Good luck with your interview!